The main religion in Bali is Hinduism. Faith of the Holy Water is another, more poetic name for it. The religion of Indonesia and Bali has incorporated many elements of Buddhism and animistic cults of the local population. Compared with Indian Hinduism, it has some differences. On the one hand, there is a relatively implicit perception of certain ideas (for example, reincarnation), on the other hand, the flowering of certain elements that are on the verge of extinction in India, for example, the cult of the Virgin Baruna (goddess of water), a system of four varnas, and so on.
Story
The first to settle in Bali were Chinese immigrants who came here around 2500 BC. A thousand years later, the Balinese prince of Airlang captured the neighboring island of Java. And with the spread of Islam to Java in the 16th century, a large part of the aristocracy fled to Bali. Then Hinduism finally established itself here.
Indonesia is the largest Muslim continent in the world with over 80% of Islamic followers. The culture of Bali differs radically from the dogmas generally accepted here. Conquest, colonial politics, war, Islam - all this is the history of the island. But as in the saying: “What does not kill us will make us stronger,” the Bali culture withstood the onslaught. You can only imagine how much she had to go through to survive and how strong she is now.
Pantheon
In the unique religion of Bali, the god is Sing Hyang Tunggal, which means "understood." Gods and goddesses traditionally Hindu appear, of which Shiva is most popular, then Virgo Sri (the goddess of the harvest), Virgo Baruna (the deity of the sea). In addition, the followers of the Bali religion are revered by all the many local deities: the spirits of mountains, rivers, trees, etc.
Castes
Society there is divided into four separate castes (varnas), known since ancient times in India.
Firstly, this is the Varna of the brahmanas: they are divided into highly respected persons responsible for the ritual purification of the water necessary for rituals, and those of a lower level who provide victims during religious ceremonies.
Varna Kshatriyev is a caste of warriors. Vaisyas are a layer of merchants. Varna sudra is a caste of farmers.
In Bali, the main religion and traditions rule life. Also, its rhythm is also determined by the phases of the moon. Here traditional temples are located, there are ceremonies that take place almost every day - it is not for nothing that this place is called the Island of the Gods.
The day starts early. Every Balinese family donates on the rough leaves of palm trees, offering gifts to the gods daily. It is difficult not to notice this, because such people can be seen almost everywhere: in front of houses, in vehicles, on the streets, at intersections. It is easy to imagine that preparing for this requires a lot of work and time, so the richer local housewives just buy ready-made offerings in large quantities and store them in refrigerators.
1700 steps
To get to one of the main Hindu temples on the island, you must overcome more than 1700 steps. According to local people, in this case you can’t complain, because you will never see the top. A heavy two-hour hike is awarded with magnificent views of the surroundings, and in fine weather, even to the neighboring island of Lombok.
The most interesting architectural part of the temple is located on one of its lower levels. The characteristic Balinese gates lead to it, beyond which the Agung volcano is visible. Dominant in a landscape with a height of 3142 m, it is the most sacred mountain of the island. Balinese people believe that this is the abode of the gods and the spiritual center of Bali. Agung also has its dark side - in 1963, 2,000 people died as a result of the eruption. Some say this is due to the grand ceremony of Ek Das Rudra, which is held once every 100 years to save the world from destruction. The latter was supposed to take place in 1963. But at the beginning of the year, Agung began to tremble.
Local priests took it as the wrath of the gods and suggested that they most likely set the wrong date for the celebration. Unfortunately, nothing could be done about it, because the participation in Ek Das Rudra was confirmed by the President of Indonesia and senior dignitaries. And then an eruption occurred.
Not surprisingly, Agung evokes respect and fear among the locals. It is for this reason that every traditional Balinese house and the headboards of the inhabitants of the island are directed towards him. The temple, built at its foot, is very often visited by numerous locals.
Ngaben - joyful funeral ceremony of farewell
The history of religion in Bali is such that its followers perceive many things in a completely different way than Europeans. In a picturesque valley surrounded by a network of rice fields, lies the small village of Bugbug. There, generations of ancestors of the local population came into this world. And there they said goodbye to them for the last time during the Ngaben. The bodies are laid out on temporary graves, waiting for the financial situation of the family to allow the organization of an important ceremony in the life of every follower of the Bali religion. This is a rather expensive ceremony. For two people, more than 40 million rupees (about 180,000 rubles) should be allocated for two people.
Difficulties
This is an incredibly high price for an average family. The amount covers the cost of a few-day ceremony with the ministry of the priests, accommodation and food for family and friends. But followers of the Bali religion do not skimp on Ngaben, because this is one of the most important transition rituals. Saving on the dead is impossible. Because then he visits the family at night and asks for more. But the local population does not want and is afraid.
The atmosphere of this ritual is rather joyful, because people believe that the next incarnation awaits the deceased. He may be embodied in one of the unborn family members.
Religion full of rituals
Ngaben is just one of many Balinese transition rituals. The first ceremony is performed when the child is still lying in the womb; another is held immediately after his birth. On the twelfth day of life, the priest ritually cleanses the child of evil influences. Forty-two, they give him a name, and then, finally, after three months of life, he can touch the ground.
Teenagers are waiting for a ritual sawing of teeth. Sharp teeth are considered a characteristic of animals and demons. It really does not hurt, according to the local. Of great importance in the religion of Bali is also the wedding. Many meetings are held in family churches: ceremonies accompanying the emergence of new buildings, ceremonies for cars, for animals, for rice fields. It is impossible to count them all and it seems that there is no day in Bali without a holiday.
So, here is the Day of Silence, during which the streets are empty, life on the island freezes for a day. Galungan is the time when Bali looks most beautiful. Decorative bamboo stands in front of the houses, locals play musical instruments and prepare laurel, a traditional dish based on pork and vegetables. Eating it with his family, the Balinese give each other sweets and gifts. Galungan, symbolizing the victory of good over evil, can be compared with our Christmas. It is with the closest people that they spend this day.
Modernity
However, a lot is changing in Bali these days. In the place of rice fields, hotels and restaurants are growing, more and more scooters and cars are driving along the roads, and the once charming town of Ubud turns into a mecca for tourists. Fortunately, it’s still easy to get off the beaten path, get lost in the jungle of narrow streets and find an almost unknown temple.